THREATENED householders attended a village meeting to reinforce their objections to a massive housing development set to bring 40 homes to their neighbourhood.

THREATENED householders attended a village meeting to reinforce their objections to a massive housing development set to bring 40 homes to their neighbourhood.

Worries about additional pressure on the drainage system, fears of increased traffic on the already congested A41, and concerns over environmental damage were all high on the agenda at Tarvin Parish Council's latest meeting as councillors sat down to discuss Redrow's amended planning proposals.

But amendments to the plans for the land off Broomheath Lane have been welcomed.

These include reducing a proposed three-storey building to two storeys, thus losing two apartments and bringing the number of homes down from 42 to 40 as well as changing the orientation of one unit next to neighbouring Laburnum Cottage for privacy reasons.

However, councillors and members of the public at the meeting made it clear the amendments did not go far enough.

Following an informal meeting, councillors drafted a response reinforcing original objections and detailing a list of additional concerns, which was discussed before the full parish council.

Among the concerns mentioned is the need for a safe pathway between the proposed development and the school, without the need to cross Broomheath Lane.

Several residents, who feel they will be affected by the plans, spoke out.

Dr Steve Jones, of Broomheath Lane, was unhappy with drainage provisions. He said: 'If you pave over the area, the water will roll off immediately into the pipes and overload the system.'

He explained that presently the water is absorbed into the land putting less pressure on pipes.

Drainage facilities have by far proven the most serious of the council's concerns.

Comments on this topic included in the drafted response read: 'From the information received we remain to be convinced that the feasibility report produced is realistic and covers both the surface and foul water arising from the development and assesses is all the way to its eventual outfalls in the brooks/river and sewage farm.

'All interested parties, including United Utilities Ltd and land holders through which the drainage flows, should be given copies of the evidence. The evidence needs to prove the whole area has been covered and not just part of it.'

Peter Roberts, who also lives in Broomheath Lane, wanted to know if the trees and hedges which form a screen on the land would be protected.

Chairman Cllr David Cotgreaves said this would be included in the council's response to planners.

Cllr Roger Hones pointed out that Redrow had not followed the acceptable procedure laid out by the Local Plan.

He said: 'This makes a total mockery of the Local Plan.'

Clerk Mike Hassall has been asked to add under the design category of the parish council's response: 'We would have expected this to be subject to a council local development brief under the Local Plan.'

The additional traffic brought about by the creation of 42 homes 'will add to one of the most congested roads in Cheshire, the A41', said Dr Jones.